Alcohol Service

Review the ASR flowchart to help determine which license or permit is required.

Alcohol Service Request Flowchart [pdf]

Banquet Permit

A WA State Banquet Permit is required when:

• Alcohol will be SERVED and not sold to event attendees.
• The event is NOT open to the public.
• Alcohol is PURCHASED by the host organization.

Requirements

1. Submit an Alcohol Service Request [online]
2. Purchase a Washington State Banquet Permit following UUFC approval

Special Occasion License

Donated alcohol must be sold at cost to event attendees.

A WA State Special Occasion License is required when:

• Event IS open to the general public.
• Or, alcohol will be SOLD and the proceeds will be returned to the host organization.
• **Or, alcohol is DONATED or SOLD at a DISCOUNT, an Alcohol Sponsorship/Gift/Contribution is being received from a liquor manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, retailer, agent or campus representative to the host organization.

Requirements

1. Submit an Alcohol Service Request [online]
2. **Submit a UW Alcohol Gift/Contribution Form [pdf] to the Office of Special Programs, if Alcohol is DONATED or SOLD at a DISCOUNTED PRICE to the host organization. (Required before UUFC can approve request).
3. Submit WA Form LIQ-285: WA State Special Occasion License Application [docx] to the Office of Special Programs. (Required before UUFC can approve request).
4. The Office of Special Programs will return WA Form LIQ-285 to the applicant when processed.
5. The applicant must submit the approved LIQ-285 form to the WA State Liquor and Cannabis Board at least 45 days before the event but only AFTER the Alcohol Service Request has received UUFC approval.

NOTE: A significant amount of time is needed to obtain a Special Occasion License because it requires UUFC approval before the final application can be submitted to the WA State Liquor and Cannabis Board and meet their 45-day deadline. It is extremely important to plan weeks, if not months, in advance for a Special Occasion License.

**UW Alcohol Gift/Contribution Form

The UW Alcohol Gift/Contribution form is not a liquor license or permit. Rather, the UW requires this form to be submitted when alcohol is being donated to the host organization. Ultimately, when alcohol is donated to an event or sold at a discounted rate, the WA State Liquor and Cannabis Board requires the host organization to purchase a Special Occasion License. Please note, the alcohol must be sold to attendees at normal cost.

A UW Alcohol Gift/Contribution Form is required if:

• Alcohol is being donated or sponsored by liquor manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, agents, or campus representatives to the host organization.
• Or, alcohol is being sold at a special discounted price to the host organization.

Caterer’s Liquor License

A Caterer may already have the authority to serve or sell alcoholic beverages based on the type of business license they have. In order to use a Caterer’s business license, the following must be true:

• The caterer has a business license with liquor endorsement.
• Alcohol is provided by the licensed caterer.
• The caterer retains the proceeds from the alcohol sales, if any.

Additionally, it is possible for a caterer to contract out liquor service to a separate caterer that holds the appropriate liquor endorsement on their business license. In this case, it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide the name of the caterer that holds the Business License with Liquor Endorsement on the ASR and provide a copy of that business license to the Office of Special Programs.

Requirements

1. Submit an Alcohol Service Request [online]
2. Provide a copy of the caterer’s business license with liquor endorsement to the Office of Special Programs. (Required before UUFC can approve request)

Reserve a Campus Location

• Contact the UW facility regarding your alcohol service plan BEFORE submitting an Alcohol Service Request. Venues may also have additional guidelines regarding alcohol service.
• Venue approval is a step in the Alcohol Service approval process. The venue may deny an Alcohol Service Request if a reservation request has not been submitted to them beforehand.
• The room number where alcohol will be served is important to note. Alcohol service will be limited to the specific room number indicated on the Alcohol Service Request.

Obtain University Sponsorship – UW Students/RSOs/Student Gov’t Only

It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact a Dean, Director, or Chair of a University department or administrative unit to discuss and obtain University Sponsorship. Alternatively, an individual may sponsor the Alcohol Service Request if they fall within the following description: Authority has been delegated to a UW staff or faculty member who has authority to sign contracts and obligate funds for the department/administrative unit.

UW staff, departments, and off-campus entities do not need University Sponsorship for alcohol service.

The Student Activities Office (SAO) often serves as University Sponsor for RSO and student government alcohol service requests. RSO & student government applicants may choose SAO as their sponsor on the request form. Rene Singleton, Assistant Director of Student Activities, will be notified to review the request for University Sponsorship.

UW students and RSOs may choose an alternate University Sponsor. It is the applicant’s responsibility to reach out and secure sponsorship. The applicant will need to provide the name, UW department, and UW email of the Alcohol Service Sponsor on the request form.

Timeliness Matters

NOTE: Alcohol Service Requests must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. Much sooner for a Special Occasion License.
Any requests submitted after that date may not be fully processed or approved in time for the event.

Submit an Alcohol Service Request

An Alcohol Service Request should be submitted once a reservation has been made and a University Sponsor has been identified. Please note that additional forms may be necessary. All forms must be completed and reviewed by the UUFC before alcohol service can be approved. The applicant will be notified if additional forms will be necessary.

Permit Visibility

The WA State approved permit or license and a copy of the final UUFC approval email must be posted at each alcohol service location in the designated event space for the duration of the event.